Corrosion of second degree back of unspecified hand, sequela

This code signifies a second-degree chemical burn, or corrosion, affecting the back of an unspecified hand, where the acute injury has healed and the patient is now experiencing a long-term complication or residual effect. These sequelae might include scarring, contractures, chronic pain, or functional limitations resulting from the original burn.

Apply this code when documenting the late effects of a second-degree chemical burn to the dorsal aspect of the hand, after the initial healing phase has passed. This is appropriate for follow-up encounters addressing ongoing issues directly attributable to the past corrosion, such as surgical correction of scar tissue or management of persistent nerve damage.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following a code that describes the specific sequela (e.g., scar, contracture).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the previous second-degree corrosion of the hand.
• Verify the burn was chemical (corrosion) and not thermal, and specifically located on the back of the hand.